The Director of Research of the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Akin Fapoumda, has advised former presidential candidate Peter Obi to prioritize his personal security, warning that political violence remains a serious threat in Nigeria.
Fapounda said that if Obi were assassinated, the reaction might be limited, drawing a comparison with the killing of former Attorney General of the Federation Bola Ige, whose death in 2001 he claimed did not lead to far-reaching consequences.
Speaking during an interview with Symfoni, the Afenifere chieftain argued that political assassinations have occurred in different parts of the world, citing the killing of Robert F. Kennedy during his presidential campaign in the United States.
“Robert Kennedy was shot at a campaign event. He was an attorney general then trying to run for the presidency and was shot, so assassination is not a big deal when you have contesting powers that are not civilized,” he said.
Fapounda also criticized the political climate in Edo State, describing it as troubling while commenting on the conduct of the state government.
He said, “The reign of the Edo State governor is something else; the man has a village mentality, and he is sincere in what he’s doing. I can’t fault him. He was catapulted there by Adams Oshiomhole, and he’s doing the bidding. It’s just like Lamidi Adedibu in Ibadan those days.”
Questioning security lapses in the state, Fapounda said he was surprised that a group of about 30 people could allegedly attack vehicles near the residence of former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun.
“Oyegun’s house was next to Government House from what I heard; that street ought to have been cordoned off routinely. How come 30 people were able to raid vehicles? Once you have the power of the state, you can do anything. It’s a very bad thing to be insulting our intelligence to say it’s inter-party and all that,” he said.
Fapoumda maintained that if a high-profile political figure such as Obi were attacked, the aftermath might only involve public condemnation.
“If any of them were shot, what would have happened? Nothing. Even if Peter Obi was shot, nothing would have happened. Bola Ige was shot, and nothing happened. They would condemn it as a dastardly act and promise to bring those responsible to book. Will anybody resign because of it?” he said.
He urged Obi to take necessary precautions, adding that political leaders must ensure their safety in the face of potential threats.
